comparison · VPN providers
Bahnhof vs IVPN
Both are listed in VPN providers. The table below pulls directly from each service’s data sheet; see each entry for sourcing.
| Field | Bahnhof | IVPN |
|---|---|---|
| KYC | optional KYC | no KYC |
| Category | VPN providers | VPN providers |
| Jurisdiction | Sweden (operator-disclosed) | Gibraltar (operator-disclosed) |
| Payment methods | card, bank-transfer, cash-by-mail | crypto, cash-by-mail, card |
| Fiat on-ramp | no | no |
| Custodial | no | no |
| Open source | no | yes |
| Founded | 1994 | 2009 |
| Last verified | May 12, 2026 | Jan 1, 2026 |
Bahnhof — summary
Bahnhof is the Swedish ISP-and-VPN operator with one of the longest-running explicit anti-surveillance histories in the industry — the same operator that hosted WikiLeaks.
- + 30+ year operating history with consistent anti-data-retention posture.
- + Hosts WikiLeaks and other contested content historically.
- + Swedish jurisdiction with documented refusals of data-retention compliance.
- − Email at signup binds the account.
- − VPN product is a smaller part of a broader ISP/hosting business; review what you're buying.
- − Sweden remains subject to EU AML/CTF cooperation.
IVPN — summary
IVPN is the closest peer to Mullvad in posture: no-account signup, audited no-logs, cash accepted.
- + Account-ID-only signup; no email by default.
- + Audited no-logs claims and open-source client.
- + Strong technical posture (WireGuard, multihop, anti-tracker filtering).
- − Smaller server fleet than the largest commercial VPNs.
- − Card payment leaks payer identity to the processor.
- − Facts need re-verification by operator (last seeded 2026-01).
When to choose which
Treat this section as heuristic. Privacy properties depend on how you use the service, not just which one you pick.
- Choose Bahnhof if 30+ year operating history with consistent anti-data-retention posture..
- Choose IVPN if account-id-only signup; no email by default..
- Either way, re-check the entry’s last verified date — the VPN providers category churns.
Mentioned in (combined)
Pages on the site that reference Bahnhof, IVPN, or both.
Ranked picks
Quick answers
Compared as of .